Our History
The Beginning: A Vision for Families
In 1984, the Family Resource Centre – Saint John (FRC) was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to support families and nurture the healthy development of children in our community. Recognizing a growing need for accessible family services, a group of dedicated community leaders came together to establish a welcoming space where parents and caregivers could find education, resources, and a supportive network. From its earliest days, FRC focused on early childhood programs, parent education, and community-building initiatives, setting the foundation for the work that continues today.
Expanding Services to Meet Growing Needs
As the needs of families in Saint John grew, so did the FRC. By 2005, the Centre had expanded its services to include a broader range of programming, such as prenatal support, literacy programs, and community outreach. Partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and social services strengthened FRC’s ability to provide comprehensive support to families facing challenges. This period marked an important shift towards a more holistic approach—one that empowered parents and caregivers while fostering strong, resilient children.
A Hub for Family Support and Education
With a continued commitment to serving the community, FRC reached another milestone in 2017 by launching new initiatives focused on mental health, nutrition, and early learning. Recognizing that strong families build strong communities, the Centre introduced innovative workshops, drop-in programs, and play-based learning activities designed to give children the best possible start in life. This year also marked significant growth in volunteer engagement and community partnerships, reinforcing FRC’s role as a trusted hub for family support in Saint John.
Continuing Our Legacy of Care
Today, the Family Resource Centre – Saint John remains dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for families. As we look to the future, we continue to adapt to the evolving needs of our community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and every caregiver has access to the tools and support they need. Through expanded outreach efforts, digital resources, and enhanced programming, FRC remains steadfast in its mission: strengthening families and building a brighter future for generations to come.
OUR TEAM
Silvia Borsic
Karen Kincade
Randi O’Brien
Samantha Middleton
Kim Ryan
Jennifer Murphy
Lyndsi Creamer
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I still think this is the best place I ever could have come. You say to yourself everyone else has kids the same ages as mine, so they must be going through the same things. It does make you feel a lot better to know you’re not the only person. It also feels good to speak with other “big people”, not just your own “little people”.
[At the parenting program] you can share some great stories, as you all have so much in common as parents. Having come to the parenting program, I’m a lot more sure about what to do. It doesn’t always work, but I have a plan and some strategies. I’m doing something and that gives me confidence.
You really feel like you are part of something active. It’s a learning environment not just for kids, but for parents as well. It helps parents in the neighbourhood come together over snack and coffee, and they become friends as their kids play together and form relationships. These types of programs are strong neighbourhood builders.
Benefits of Family Resources
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